Jayda has always known that she has an analytical mind. She also wants to serve those around her. That’s why she worked in various clerical roles for state agencies, supporting teams and getting behind the mission of each agency. But it wasn’t until 2004, when she started in the Office of Financial Management, that Jayda found her calling in state accounting.

Jayda has worked for the State of Washington for over 15 years in various agencies and state colleges. In 2004 she began a secretary role in the Office of Financial Management supporting statewide accounting. It was in that role that she decided to pursue accounting as a degree and use it as a pathway to career advancement.

“I’m analytical by nature and the technical skillset needed to be accountable for the state’s financial records is a really important job,” said Jayda.

When she decided to go back to school, she needed something that was going to be flexible and allow her to stay in her full-time state job. She found evening and online classes at SPSCC critical to her completion of her AA. “I wouldn’t have been able to go to school during the day but SPSCC provided me that opportunity,” said Jayda.

“Originally, I was going for an AAS degree so I could go straight into a fiscal or accounting position with the State,” Jayda explained. “But when I went through a degree audit, I realized that I was closer to completing my transfer AA.” Jayda decided to transfer her accounting credits and AA degree to Western Governors University and start working toward a bachelor’s degree.

She’s on track to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in summer 2017. “I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the pathway of SPSCC.”

Today, Jayda works as a Senior Financial Coordinator at DSHS, leading a team and loving her job. “It just feels like all of my hard work has paid off.”

“I’ve always been a huge advocate for SPSCC and supporting the success for students through higher education. Before joining DSHS, I worked at the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges where the mission is creating better jobs and brighter futures through the Washington college system.”